UNS TagProvider Connections

Understanding TagProvider Connections

TagProviders allow connections with external systems to read or write data without creating local tags. Displays and other modules can directly access data from remote systems, even if their structure changes dynamically.

Automatic & Tagless Connections:

• Connect to external data sources and consume their data models in the Unified Namespace.
• Access all tags and data structures automatically with simple configuration.
• The connected provider’s tags and data models are available for use in various modules (Displays, Scripts, Reports, etc.).
• Support for various systems: Protocols, Historians, or Devices.
• Easily plot trend charts and access archived data from external Historians.

Devices vs TagProviders

Some connections can be done through Devices and TagProviders. To define which one works best for your application, you should look at how your data is structured.

Devices handle predefined, static data, ensuring control, security, and advanced metadata management, suitable for applications requiring strict validation like HMI and SCADA systems. These environments often require strict regulatory compliance, such as FDA validation in pharmaceutical production or stringent monitoring in manufacturing plants. Devices provide detailed metadata management, including retentiveness, security settings, and visibility control within the platform.

TagProviders are ideal for applications where where data and device configurations change frequently, necessitating real-time update. That type of connections allows you to manage dynamic data, enabling flexible device addition, ideal for IoT and monitoring applications needing situational awareness, such as smart city infrastructures or home automation systems. For instance, TagProviders can dynamically integrate new environmental sensors in a smart energy grid, providing continuous updates and allowing city managers to respond promptly to changing conditions.

Supported TagProviders

Integration with Communication Protocols

• MQTT (standard and SparkPlugB)
• OPC-UA
• Rockwell ControlLogix
• Codesys enabled PLCs using PLC Handler

Integration with other Applications

• Server to Server
• Line Monitor

Integration with Historian Systems

• Canary Labs
• InfluxDB
• GE Proficy
• SQL Databases

Configuring  TagProviders

Configuration Workflow

• Identify the TagProvider: Based on the communication protocol (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus).
• Create a New Instance: Navigate to the TagProviders section and provide necessary information.
• Test the Connection: Verify and explore the data.
• Create a New AssetFolder: In the AssetTree, use the toolbar command “Insert Link to TagProvider.”
• Customize the Alias: For the selected node.

Creating a new TagProvider Connection

Steps:

1. Navigate: Go to Unified Namespace → TagProvider Connections.
2. New Item: Click the ‘New Item’ button to open the ‘Create New TagProvider’ dialog.
3. Select Protocol: Choose a communication protocol and assign a name.
4. Configure: Fill out the configuration table with:

Common Configuration Items:

• Provider: Specifies the platform the TagProvider will interface with.
• Access Mode: Determines permissions (Read, Write, ReadWrite).
• Name: User-defined identifier for the TagProvider instance.
• Description: Explains the purpose or platform it interfaces with.
• Test button: Verifies the connection settings.

Unique Configuration Parameters:

Each TagProvider has specific parameters tailored to its functionalities and technical requirements, ensuring proper data integration.

For example, using MQTTspB, the settings will be detailed similarly to Channels, Nodes, and Points.

Using TagProviders as Historian Storage Location:

Some TagProviders can be used with the Historian Module to define data storage locations. Typically, TagProviders for historian tools or MQTT can be used as Storage Locations.

By default, the Historian archives data in an SQL Database, but this can be extended with TagProviders.

→ See Historian Storage Locations for more information

Working with TagProviders

Browsing Values

In Unified Namespace → Asset Tree, after linking a folder to the data from the TagProvider Connection, you can browse the tree. The right-side tables will update, showing the values of the variables in the selected folder.

Reading and Writing Values from other Modules 

After including TagProvider in the AssetTree Nodes, you can access that in using the Asset() method.

.E.g.: If using ControlLogix, the final part of the AssetPath is the address, using same syntax used in Devices → Points: <ProviderName>.("<Type>:<Address>")

• Asset("/Folder1/DINT:MyPlcTag")
• Asset("/Area1/Line1/DINT:MyArray1DimDINT[0]")

You can use the Asset() syntax, not only in scripts, but on Displays, and in all fields in the software where a Tag is expected, including:

• On Displays, mapping symbol properties and linking to dynamic properties.
• On Alarms, creating alarm events.
• On Historian, archiving the data.

TagProvider Connections Columns

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